Running back Beanie Wells didn't practice on Wednesday, casting more doubt upon his chances of playing in Baltimore on Sunday.

In a weekly radio appearance on Tuesday, Wells said he thought he would be able to play. But he's said that before and missed games. That happened in week three before the game in Seattle. And it happened last year. With Wells, practice availability has been an accurate predictor of whether or not he plays in games.

If Wells can't play, Alfonso Smith will start, with LaRod Stephens-Howling and Chester Taylor perhaps getting some playing time. Smith has never started a game but he has been effective in a limited role this season (25 carries, 89 yards, one touchdown).

Only 208 pounds, he has improved running inside, and he has very good speed. Wells' latest injury, however, highlights the team's lack of depth. The Cardinals traded Tim Hightower to the Redskins during training and rookie Ryan Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason.

Notes: Outside linebackers Sam Acho and O'Brien Schofield are expected to see more playing time this week. Both played almost the entire fourth quarter against the Steelers, and the Cardinals are looking for more production of the right outside linebacker spot. That's where Joey Porter has been playing. Porter, 34, has just one sack this season...Look for cornerback Richard Marshall to continue to play safety in some schemes. Marshall did that some against Pittsburgh. Starting free safety Kerry Rhodes is out with a foot fracture.